The Illinois State Police (ISP) investigated a three-vehicle crash on 4/11/2018 at 7:27 a.m., on U. S. Route 30 eastbound, just west of Illinois Route 78 near Morrison, IL. Unit 2, a 2001 International truck, driven by Houston W. Sulouff, 27, of Sterling, IL, was eastbound on U. S. Route 30 and stopped in traffic to turn into Rock River Grain. Unit 1, a 2007 International tractor hauling scrap, driven by Clifford D. Oates, 61, of Lone Rock, WI, was also eastbound on U. S. Route 30. Oates stated he had obscured vision due to the sun and did not immediately see Unit 2. Oates attempted evasive action into the westbound lane and struck the rear of Unit 2.
Unit 3, a 2017 Ford pickup pulling a combine head, driven by Alan D. Sommers, 58, of Prophetstown, IL, was westbound on U. S. Route 30 and was struck head-on by Unit 1. Unit 1 then rolled onto its side, spilling scrap into the north ditch. Sommers was transported by Morrison Ambulance to Morrison Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Oates was issued a Citation for Improper Lane Usage.
U. S. 30 was shut down and traffic re-routed for about an hour, while crews worked to clean-up the scene. ISP was assisted on scene by Morrison Police Department, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department, Morrison Fire and Ambulance, Illinois Department of Transportation, and Johnson’s towing.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.